If you come to the Philippines as a tourist, or you live here, the likelihood is that sooner or later you will ride the bus. I am sure that a lot of you might be wary of riding the bus, maybe you don’t know what you are supposed to do, how it works, etc.
I get the perception from a lot of foreigners who are planning to come for a visit that they think that the buses here are old rickety falling apart rejects from the developed world. Actually, nothing could be farther from the truth! The buses here, at least in the areas where I have been, are mostly first rate, (mostly) brand new, fancy buses!
I mean, many of the buses here in Southern Mindanao have full amenities. On board bathrooms, comfortable seats, very cold air conditioning, even WiFi on the bus! These buses are either very well cared for, or they keep rotating in brand new buses into their fleet, because these buses practically have that “new car smell” every time you board! And the new car look too! Usually, the buses are not even crowded. Sometimes they are full, but not too often, the most common full times are during holidays or three day weekends.
How much is the fare?
Well, it depends on the route you are traveling and how far you are going. For an example, if you are traveling from Davao to General Santos City, which is a 2 1/2 to 4 hour trip (depending on multiple factors) the far ranges between P200 to P300. You can ride one of the nearly top of the line buses for P250. The furthest bus ride I have ever taken was, as I recall, from Davao City to Surigao, as I recall it had a stop in Butuan City. I think that was around P450 to P500, but it was maybe 8 or 9 years ago, so things certainly are likely to have increased in that time. But, in general, the fares are very inexpensive. I mean, P250 for the ticket from Davao to GenSan (or vice versa) means you are putting out US$5 or so for the ride.
Hard to beat that price. I doubt you’ll find any Amtrak route at that price!
The procedure
The procedure for riding a bus is fairly simple and straightforward. I am sure that even if you have never ridden before it won’t be difficult to figure out what to do. Also, at the bus terminals there are lots of people around to help, answer questions, and even carry your bags if you wish. Of course if you have them carrying things there would be a charge for that, but it will be cheap. But, if you just need a question answered, they will gladly do that for free, no hassles.
Bus terminal
In larger cities there are multiple bus terminals. Here in Davao there are several different terminals, and your destination will determine which terminal you need to go to. Any taxi will know where to take you. For example, if you are in Davao and want to go to General Santos City, you will need to go catch a bus at the Ecoland terminal. If you want to go to Cagayan or other points in that direction, you might need to go to Maa to catch a bus. It just depends on where you are going to travel. If you take a taxi to the bus terminal, the driver will know where to take you, just tell him where you will go on the bus, and he will know which terminal to take you to.
When you get to the terminal, the procedure will vary. Here in Davao, before you enter the terminal they will search your bags, search you for weapons, and then let you pass to where the buses are. It is all very simple. Just be polite and friendly, and as long as you are not carrying weapons or things like that, it should all be very easy.
Choose a bus
When you get to the area where the buses are, there are multiple buses to choose from. Continuing our example of travel from Davao to General Santos, there will be probably at least a half dozen buses going to General Santos and waiting for passengers. Usually, a bus leaves about every 10 minutes heading to General Santos, so you can arrive at the terminal at any time and you won’t have to wait long for your bus to leave.
Why so many different buses waiting? Well, there are different types of buses:
- Different bus lines (Yellow Bus, MindanaoStar, etc)
- Non Stop Buses
- Buses with multiple stops
- Air Conditioned buses
- Non aircon buses (although this would be rare on a popular route)
So, just choose the bus line you want to travel on, and the other things that are available and get on the bus.
Conductor collects fare
When you board the bus, you don’t pay or anything, that will come later. You can choose any empty seat that you want and just sit down. There are overhead compartments and also under seat storage for your carry on bags. Larger luggage can be placed in large compartments on the outside of the bus. Each bus will also have overhead control panels (like you would see on airplanes) where you can turn on a reading light, adjust the air conditioning or even adjust the speakers (the buses have TV, Movies or radio on board).
After the bus gets underway, the conductor will start (generally at the front of the bus) and go from passenger to passenger, find out where their destination is and charge them the appropriate fare. Let’s say that your fare is P250, and you only have a P500 or a P1,000 the conductor will either give you change on the spot, or he will come back with your change later – don’t worry, I have never seen them forget to give change, they seem to remember everything!
Once your fare has been collected, you can sit back, listen to the radio, play games on your cellphone, or catch some sleep, it is up to you!
If you are riding a bus that makes additional stops along the way, more passengers will be picked up, and the conductor will again come around and ask those new passengers to pay their fare.
Ride in comfort
As I said, these buses really have all of the comforts that you could want! They are decked out. Generally, I find the ride to be comfortable and also safe. Sometimes you will find a driver who speeds or is unsafe in other ways, but that was more common in the past, and I don’t find it a huge problem anymore. Maybe I am just used to it now! 😉
Where do you want to get off?
When you get to your destination city, the bus will usually stop at multiple places. For example, it will make a quick stop at major shopping malls or other popular places where people will want to get off, before arriving at the final terminal destination. This happens even on non-stop buses. It is actually very convenient that you can get off as near to where you are going as possible.
Alternative to bus
A lot of foreigners are shy to ride the bus, and they will hire a taxi to take them instead. This is very expensive though, and I really see no need to do it. It has been a long time since I have heard what the taxi fare is to General Santos from Davao, but 15 years ago you would pay P2,500 to P3,000 and it is surely more than that now. When you can pay P250 for a very comfortable bus, why pay so much? If you do decide to take a taxi, they don’t go by the meter on a long trip like this. It will be a fare that is negotiated in advance. Make sure you negotiate BEFORE leaving, because if you start the trip and negotiate later you may be in for a rude awakening.
If you do a taxi type trip, be advised that it is customary that if you stop for lunch or a snack, you are generally required to buy food for the driver too.
I hope this will give you a better idea of what to expect if you ride the bus in the Philippines. I have ridden buses in various parts of the country and things differ. This article pretty generically covers the bases, but you may find slight differences in some areas.
Have a good trip!
Look at that pic posted the suspension on that bus is shot and almost dragging on the ground. Either that or a couple 430 pounds guys are sitting on the right.
That is a Mindanao Star bus, Mindanao Star is a brand new bus line. All of the buses are brand new, I can assure you that the suspension is not shot.
Bob Martin bad roads perhaps ?
Maybe they are on a curve, I really don’t know.
I also rode the busses a lot in Manila, they were dirt cheap, pretty clean and had a TV to watch. You just need to know where the bus terminals were. In Manila instead of alway sitting in traffic in a taxi and watching the meter spin you rode a bus close to where you needed to go and walked or caught a trike (pedaled or powered). The occasional vendor or street preacher gets on and depending on your mood you buy something or make a donation.
the Bus seems to be the smoothest transportation there is in the Philippines can smooth out any road ….. and make a road where none was before
I find the buses to be a comfortable ride.
They made a big friend of mine pay for two seats.. Not the line you are referring to in the article but I heard it’s common to do so..
I’m 6’4 and had to pay for an extra seat , they are a little small , and with the amount of people on those buses I can understand paying for the seat beside me but for the extra few pesos , its not a big deal , I know when taking the faster transit like Vans to Cebu city , I had to pay for extra space as well , owner operators need pesos for each seat , not to mention they dont leave until every seat is filled
we do the same thing … like you say when the sears are small
Totally agree that bus is the way to go, we often take it between home and Manila. Long trip, but cheap. Have you ever asked the age of a new bus? I argued with a friend and he turned out to be correct. The bus we were on looked brand new, but was 5 years old, and just out of a reconditioning. Your busses are better then ours though, many of the ones we ride don’t have CR, and it can be quite a squirmy trip for this fat old white guy when it is 3 or more hours between stops. Have even had them pull over beside road, I think even the driver was surprized when 3/4 of the bus, male and female, hit the road for relief. We find if we are less then 6 people, bus is cheapest to Manila. Remind people that although most busses have 3 seats on one side, they won’t let 2 people pay 3 fares and ride in more comfort.
Hi Steve – I am sure there are plenty of refurbished buses, but there are also new ones, and plenty of them too! I enjoy riding the bus, let’s me see the scenery and relax rather than dealing with traffic.
Bob. In order to assure ourselves of seat on a deluxe bus (large, comfortable seats, a/c, CR, etc) when traveling back and forth from Manila to Bicol, we buy our tickets several days in advance at a bus station. We also always ask for and always receive the senior discount, which saves us at least 20% on each ticket. They only require that you show some form of photo ID as proof of age, a US driver’s license works fine.
Hi Mike – Here in Mindanao you cannot reserve a seat or buy a ticket in advance. It is first come first serve. Many companies will extend a senior discount to foreigners, but keep in mind that under the law they are only required to give it to Philippine Citizens. It does not hurt to ask, but if they ever refuse to give you the discount, remember that legally you are not entitled to it! 🙂
I never even ask for senior discount on local transportation such as local buses, tricycles and jeepnys, at never at local, downscale restaurants. But, for expensive, long distance transportation or at upscale restaurants we always ask, usually get, and the savings are considerable. If they do say “no discount”, that is fine also. I know some expats that demand a senior discount for and ice cream cone or coffee at McDos; to me, this is too much work for all involved, and does not seem right because as you say, the program is really for senior Filipinos.
No problems, Mike, I was just letting you know. There is nothing wrong with asking, I just wanted to let people know that they are under no obligation to give the discount to foreigners, that’s all. Nothing against you.
For the most part, what was described here is true (I hope.) I will consider it fair to say that we can be trustworthy for the most part although I would still caution everyone, particularly foreign visitors, in that part of handing fares. Envy and greed still lurks where money can be made unscrupulously as foreigners and even balikbayans stand out like sore thumbs in a crowd (sadly, most balikbayans do intend to flaunt it.) Even without saying anything, most locales would look at those like walking cash registers. So as an advise that I gave to my Aunt years ago who had her first time homecoming from Germany, I told her to change to philippine currency in what is only needed in advance (and in P50.- as much as possible) and please take out from one’s pocket what is only needed. In that manner, one will not accidentally advertise to the crowd the wrong idea.
The things you suggest are mostly true. But, they would apply to any country you travel to. Many people in the USA or UK or any other country will take advantage of tourists if the opportunity arises.
Great post!
Good info. I learned the hard way on which bus to take. So now I look for a non stop aircon bus. BTW. I’m on my way back to Davao from Maramag today
Cool. I like Maramag, it’s it s nice little town. I have been there many ti8mes.
Bob Martin there’s a new hotel in town. The Hotel de Alexa just opened.
Did they pay there reolutionary tax yet?
I have taken the bus a lot of times and have never been stopped by the NPA or asked for revolutionary tax. Frankly, Mark, you are scaring people over something that is not an issue. Congratulations for frightening potential tourists in the Philippines.
I have never been asked or even heard of that but I know they ask the bus company. I am truly sorry if I scared anyone
Of course you scared people Mark. When you start talking like that, people who have never been to the Philippines will not even come. I’m sorry, but it’s not a very smart thing to say or very kind either. Next time you should think a little harder first.
Yes you are right
Ive taken the bus several times from Manila to Laguna and alway liked it when the vendors came on board to seel us some goodies cant resist to buy some fresh baked things
I know I shouldn’t have, but that sweet cornbread I got in CdO was delicious
LOL, yes those vendors are very persistent. I don’t need that kind of thing anymore, so I’m pretty easily able to avoid them. I just let them do their thing, and I do mine.
i am not that stronged willed Bob and I usually make a purchase
I have to do it Wayne, I’d rather stay alive then die from eating that junk.
I think its cool they let the vendors on and sometimes travel a little ways , love the Chicharons ?
I have no problem with the vendors at all, I just don’t buy anything from them! 🙂 I tend to bring food with me if I think I will want to eat, I bring things that fit into my diet.
They sold this peanut brittle which was very good.
Lorne Rowe I like chicharrones too, but I need some salsa to go with it
We have taken many buses mostly stick to the Air Con Ceres buses , very comfortable and affordable , the open air buses are something to admire , its all part of the Philippine experience , I enjoyed everything about it , the work the conductor does is incredible when its packed with people , to keep track of collecting the fare , I even told him after we got off , great job ?
The thing I really find incredible about the conductor’s is how they can remember every person who paid and who didn’t pay. I’ve never had a time when they came back to me to ask for payment when I already paid, even though I expect that they must forget from time to time!
It really is a good system considering , even the porter that helps usher people off and on the open air buses , helping them with their bags , then whistles to the driver to proceed , it was amazing !!
I rode the buses regularly fm the lat 80s till about 2007.
Before the newer Buses were around.
Many time overloaded with supply’s from the big citys.
Have seen people fall out of buses. Been flooded inside with luggage getting wet.
& been on many homemade buses that didn’t have windows & wooden seats to close together for a Kano to fit. Had babys shit & puke on me wen being passed over head.
Had passengers puke on me to. & drunks hugging me & passing out on over crowded buses where I could not move 1 inch.
And have been short changed to.
What I started doing when I was short changed , was keep my ticker & when I took bus bad home I subtracted what I was short. Boy,,, They didn’t like that But I stood my ground.
I know each bus only gets there pay from there rides. I just tell them to take it up with the managers.
Sounds like you had some interesting times on the bus! 🙂
Yes.. and I didn’t even get into termanl situations.
My first trip to Philippines was in 1996. In Manila you’d have to take a taxi to usher you from the domestic to the international airport.
It was so rush-rush. The driver and friend quickly hoisted my bags into the trunk of the vehicle. We scurried away into that chaotic Manila traffic.
“How much?” I politely inquired. This was the first time purchasing anything without my future wife.
“Fifty” the navigator shot back.
“Pesos?” I asked but I knew that was a bit cheap in MNL.
“No Joe, DOLLARS!” the navigator shot back again even more quickly.
“Seems a bit much” I meekly retorted.
He produced an “official piece of paper” that was a price list of various charges. Low and behold from domestic to international WAS $50.
“Fair enough” I politely responded.
I didn’t say a word. I waited until we got right in the middle of the international airport.
I leaned forward into their cabin and smugly laid it out in my cursed hillbilly draw, “boys. I have a $10 dollar bill and 500 peso bill. They’re yours. Please let me out by the police there. I’ll turn myself in.”
They quickly took my money and practically threw me out of the cab before I could “turn myself in”.
That was the first time I ever had to “play it by ear” in the Philippines. Since 99 I’ve owned a house in the Vasayan region and I maintain they’re not any nicer people on the planet than my neighbors there.
I love riding the bus but my wife seems to dislike it much.
That list of fares was certainly fake! They don’t price things in dollars. I think you handled it well.
Chaz:
You could not have done any better than the way you handled that! Judo’s to you!!!
when luggage handlers they take my luggage & load it without my permission. I shout at them & I make them bring it back. then I load it.
Many times I might have 5 to 10 boxes. & wen they grab them & take off in different directions I get rite after them.
Ha ha.. I have definitely seen that happen a time or two.. or more!
Every time for me
Wen they started stopping at NCCC I could control things better there
Wen they started stopping at NCCC I could control things better there
Controlling things is a good thing, but not always possible, for sure!
In Manila, each bus company runs their own depots… it can get confusing if you do not know who goes where. Generally, for buses going North, they are located in Cubao or Sampaloc, South along south EDSA, Paranaque. I will also note that the MMDA, due to traffic, is planning to change to a system of two large terminals, one in Pasay by the airport for Southbound and Balintawak for Northbound, eliminating the individual company terminals. Not sure if this is correct, but was told it will be happening soon in order to keep the provincial buses out of Manila proper on the roads
Interesting that the bus terminals there are separated by bus line! We don’t have anything like that here or in other parts of the Philippines where I have ridden the bus.
You have a lot of options for bus lines in Davao , in Cebu there are only the open air buses and the yellow Ceres air con bus , no toilets , there is Wi-Fi but I couldn’t connect , the music is usually very loud on the open air bus and they travel very fast , the air con bus is a lot more comfortable with movies , but definitely can’t beat the price , we travelled from Caticlan to Iloilo for 300 p per person , I got to sit back and enjoy the countryside , very enjoyable
Yes, thankfully we have a lot of options on buses. Many different lines, also many different classes of us on each line.
Most of the busses we ride from Batangas to Metro Manila and farther north to Angeles City are older surplus busses from Korea. Sometimes they are overloaded. The drivers are also required to stop at one of rest areas along the expressway so a representative from the bus company can check the passenger count and make sure it matches the receipts as the company does not trust the conductors. The downside when riding the bus during holidays is that instead of getting in line people will push and shove to get on the bus.
We also have those auditors who will board the bus, check the passenger count and compare it to the fares received. I think that is pretty standard around the country and I should have mentioned it in the article.
We don’t get many of those old rickety buses here, thank goodness for that.
On Bohol we have Ceres and the Dory bus lines. They are newer buses. Those two bus lines have about 99% of the buses.
We also still have the chicken buses.
Bob;
Ferry, Bus, or Jeepney, the first thing I do is check the Tires, if I can see the air inside I’ll give it a pass, the same as that noise the brakes made as it pulled up to stop.
Ferry safety is very important unless you can walk on water, I removed my family from one that had rusted shut davits on the lifeboats, and there were more people in line to board then the boat was rated to carry. Think before you board!
Good thoughfs Paul. The only downside is I’m jeepneys, if you check the tires, you may never find one that you find suitable to ride on!
Bob Martin The degree of slickness, I don’t like riding up the Zig-Zag Mountaintop road on totally bald tires. In the city at 20 MPH I don’t care! (LOL)
Yeah, I hear you. For me, I generally am only writing jeepneys in the city, so it’s not really a big deal.
I can’t believe there is a whole article on “how to ride a bus”!!!
One thing is for sure, nobody’s forcing you to come to the site. If you don’t like our content, please feel free to go elsewhere.
Well, now that I know how to ride a bus, no need to come back!
Hi Bob,
I enjoyed the article and found it informative. The buses I have seen on Bohol look overcrowded with people hanging all over the outside of the bus and not comfortable as the go down the road. I guess bus travel is like boat travel in the Philippines with the cheapest being crowded and in some cases unsafe. I have traveled on a boat from Cebu to Bohol and it was not crowded comfortable and safe, but if you rode the cheapest you probably would have a different experience. I am not sure if an island like Bohol with only one city would have the same kind of bus system as a large island like Mindanao.
Peace
Jay
Very interesting Jay. Buses that are overcrowded like that would never be allowed here. The number of passengers cannot exceed the number of seats on the bus.